Attractions and Places To See around Rathenow - Top 20

Anyone approaching Lake Hohennauen on two wheels will be rewarded halfway – with a bridge that is more than just a crossing. The view from here is far-reaching: Lake Ferchesar shimmers to the left, Lake Hohennauen stretches out to the right, and in the middle, Lake Semliner stretches long and blue through the landscape. The bridge itself is comfortable: structurally separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians – that's almost a luxury in Brandenburg. Below, water lilies lap against old pilings, above, boats glide by like mobile viewing platforms. If you pause here for a moment, you'll see what defines the region: expanse, water, wind – and a soothing silence that doesn't have to be loud to make an impression.

You cycle through the tranquil lake landscape west of Brandenburg, the asphalt glows softly in the sun, the fields smell of hay, and somewhere frogs croak as if they were on the air. And then suddenly it appears – the church of Semlin. Not a monument to tourist crowds, but a house that simply stands there as if it had always been there. And somehow, it has. It was built between 1730 and 1732 from plastered brickwork, which gives it a stubborn, almost rebellious charm. The hall is strictly rectangular, the tower slightly recessed – as if it wanted to listen, not disturb. The weather vane on the roof has seen more wind directions than one's travel plans. Inside, it is bright, simple, and friendly. No pomp, no pathos – rather, the quiet whisper of past centuries. The organ, the altar, the pulpit: all from 1893. This wasn't a show of ostentation, but a design. And it still works today. Between 1985 and 1988, the church was carefully reconstructed, the beams reframed, and the plaster renewed – as one does with things dear to one's heart. The village church of Semlin isn't a destination for pious pilgrims or architectural guides. But it is a place to pause. For cyclists who value breaks as much as exercise. For people who prefer to observe rather than photograph. And for all those who sometimes feel that history isn't so far away – perhaps just a chime away.

A really great building. Unfortunately, the route there isn't signposted at all. Coming from the train station, I would never have found the beginning without Komoot, and from the other side it's not really obvious that you can drive past the edge of the optics park to the bridge.

On the Gollenberg, a large sculpture, the wind harp on the top of the mountain, and a memorial stone at the crash site commemorate the aviation pioneer. At the foot of the mountain, you can visit the Lady Agnes, an Ilyushin Il-62 long-range aircraft named after Lilienthal's wife. It serves as an exhibition space and registry office and has become a magnet for visitors since its spectacular landing on the runway of the Stölln gliding airfield in 1989.

a highlight of engineering design

The landing on the field in 1989 was spectacular.

For an entrance fee of 6 euros, the exhibition aircraft can also be viewed from the inside. There is also a small film about the aviation pioneer Lilienthal and the impressive landing of the Ilyushin 62

At the foot of the Gollenberg you can visit the Lady Agnes, an Ilyushin Il-62 long-haul aircraft named after Lilienthal's wife. It serves as an exhibition venue and registry office and has become a magnet for visitors since its spectacular landing on the runway of the Stoellner glider airfield in 1989. Not far from there, the Lilienthal Center Stölln provides information about the life and work of Otto Lilienthal.